Unicorn start-up’Away’ CEO who resigned due to GapJil from work returns

Away co-founder, Staffan Corey, returned to the executive position a few weeks after resigning from the position of CEO, which is controversial. Away is a startup that has quickly grown into a D2C bag brand and has risen to the ranks of unicorns after 4 years of establishment.

In December of last year, the tech media The Verge released a report stating that Stefan Corey provided a harsh working environment for employees. The report contained contents such as that the employee was forced to work for a long time and the work style of CEO Cory who did not tolerate mistakes. Away’s brand mission, Togethernss, has been acting contrary to that.

Away employees also revealed that internal communication was only made through Slack, a messaging platform. That it was forbidden to communicate by email. The e-mail explained that it was used only as a way to discuss small issues such as where to eat lunch. Away employees also complained about Corey’s criticized work feedback. He felt even more shameful by giving feedback or pointing out a problem on the Slack channel where all other employees can check.

The report also included that CEO Corey temporarily deprived the customer experience team’s paid vacation and the right to work from home in the name of career development. CEO Corey revealed that it was rationalized as an act to cultivate a sense of responsibility for employees in this matter.

In addition, if there is no answer, he continued to ask questions with Slack or left a message at an ambiguous time. He said he felt threatening behavior not only online but also in person.

After the report was released, public opinion struck him, and within a day, CEO Cory posted a statement on Twitter and apologized for his horror. “It was very difficult to grow the company, and I did the wrong thing,” said Corey. He said he felt embarrassed and sorry while reading the messages he had written the past day. CEO Corey apologized and introduced Away’s new policy. It has announced that it will provide 33 days paid leave, promote flexible work policies such as remote work, and provide parental leave program support and mental management support.

CEO Corey announced that he would appoint former Lululemon executive Stuart Haseldon as CEO, and that he would serve as chairman. However, overturning this in a matter of weeks, Stuart Haseldon has announced that he will act as a Co-CEO and that he will also act as a Co-CEO.

Regarding the resignation, Mr. Corey said that when a problem occurred, he made inaccurate judgments to eliminate negative public opinion and caused a misunderstanding that he would unintentionally quit the business. The title is not important, and Away’s opinion is that they will be faithful to their respective duties to grow the company.

Away is appealing to The Verge’s report and has not revealed whether it plans to file a lawsuit, but it is known that it has hired a relevant lawyer.